Wednesday Motivation by Maya Angelou: 'Success is liking yourself, liking what you do and liking...' - 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' author's timeless lesson on why self-love, meaningful work and fulfillment define true success

Renowned American poet Maya Angelou’s motivational quote, "Success is liking yourself, liking what you do and liking how you do it," delivers a powerful reminder that true success is not simply about wealth, status, awards or recognition. It is about creating a life you genuinely feel good about. When Angelou says, 'Success is liking yourself', she points to the importance of self-respect and accepting who you are without constantly measuring yourself against others. 'Liking what you do' adds another important layer. A successful life should include work, goals or passions that give you a sense of purpose and satisfaction. You may not love every moment, but your overall path should feel meaningful. Finally, 'liking how you do it' speaks to the way you pursue your goals. Success should not require sacrificing your values or becoming someone you do not respect. Angelou’s message is simple but profound: real success comes when self-worth, meaningful work and the way you live your life move in the same direction.

Maya Angelou was one of America’s most influential writers, poets and cultural voices, celebrated for transforming personal experiences into powerful reflections on courage, identity, resilience and human dignity. Her words continue to inspire millions because they speak to challenges that remain deeply relevant: finding confidence, overcoming adversity and creating a life guided by purpose. Born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, Angelou experienced a difficult childhood marked by poverty, racism and trauma. Yet those early struggles did not define the limits of her future. Instead, they became part of the foundation for a remarkable life that included writing, performing, teaching and activism.



Angelou became widely known for her groundbreaking 1969 memoir, 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings'. The book brought international attention to her extraordinary life story and established her as an important literary voice. Her writing was deeply personal, but its themes reached far beyond her own experiences. She wrote about finding strength after hardship, confronting injustice and discovering the power of one's own voice.

Her career extended well beyond literature. Angelou worked as an actress, singer, dancer and civil rights activist. She collaborated with leaders of the civil rights movement and developed lasting friendships with figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Her experiences across different fields helped shape the distinctive perspective that became central to her writing.

Angelou’s poetry also made her a beloved public figure. Works such as 'Still I Rise' captured her message of resilience and self-respect, while 'Phenomenal Woman' celebrated confidence and individuality. Her writing often encouraged readers to recognize their own worth, even when circumstances made that difficult.

In 1993, Angelou became the first African-American and the first woman to deliver an inaugural poem when she recited 'On the Pulse of Morning' at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration. She was only the second poet in US history to receive the honor, following Robert Frost, who delivered a poem at John F Kennedy’s inauguration in 1961.

Angelou received numerous honors during her lifetime, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010. She died on May 28, 2014, at the age of 86, but her influence has continued to grow. Today, Maya Angelou remains a powerful symbol of resilience and hope. Her life reminds readers that difficult beginnings do not have to determine the ending - and that genuine success can come from knowing yourself, embracing your journey and finding meaning in the life you create.